Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
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Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
Hi,
About a month ago, there was a huge nuptial flight with many species. I managed to catch 13 Solenopsis Molesta queens and turns out they're polygynous. I decided to leave a honey-soaked cotton ball during this entire process, and it seemed to speed things up. It took them about 3 days to lay their first batch of eggs, but it was worth it. They laid a huge batch of eggs. I'd estimate around 40 - 60. They all hatched after about a week and stayed in the larvae stage for an additional 2. Unfortunately, they killed the weakest queen and fed it to their larvae.
Since Friday (Oct 27th), workers have been enclosing at a steady rate, and I'd say they have around 10 workers. So far I've noticed:
- The nanitics are TINY.
- They like honey
- They aren't disturbed by light
- They're TINY.
The queens are only a couple mm's long, but the workers..! They're the size of the queen's antenna haha.
Anyway, any tips on this species would be appreciated. Thanks for reading.
About a month ago, there was a huge nuptial flight with many species. I managed to catch 13 Solenopsis Molesta queens and turns out they're polygynous. I decided to leave a honey-soaked cotton ball during this entire process, and it seemed to speed things up. It took them about 3 days to lay their first batch of eggs, but it was worth it. They laid a huge batch of eggs. I'd estimate around 40 - 60. They all hatched after about a week and stayed in the larvae stage for an additional 2. Unfortunately, they killed the weakest queen and fed it to their larvae.
Since Friday (Oct 27th), workers have been enclosing at a steady rate, and I'd say they have around 10 workers. So far I've noticed:
- The nanitics are TINY.
- They like honey
- They aren't disturbed by light
- They're TINY.
The queens are only a couple mm's long, but the workers..! They're the size of the queen's antenna haha.
Anyway, any tips on this species would be appreciated. Thanks for reading.
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
OMG This Accedintuly Helped Me!I HAVE A S.MOLESTA COLONY NOT A L.HUMILE THX!Here My Colony Of Them!
Keeping ants for 6 years now.
Current Species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus decipiens,Camponotus snellingi Solenopsis invicta,Nylanderia sp,Brachmyrmex patagonicus,Pheidole obscurothorax,Pheidole moerens,Pachycondyla harpax
Current Species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus decipiens,Camponotus snellingi Solenopsis invicta,Nylanderia sp,Brachmyrmex patagonicus,Pheidole obscurothorax,Pheidole moerens,Pachycondyla harpax
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
Keeping ants for 6 years now.
Current Species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus decipiens,Camponotus snellingi Solenopsis invicta,Nylanderia sp,Brachmyrmex patagonicus,Pheidole obscurothorax,Pheidole moerens,Pachycondyla harpax
Current Species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus decipiens,Camponotus snellingi Solenopsis invicta,Nylanderia sp,Brachmyrmex patagonicus,Pheidole obscurothorax,Pheidole moerens,Pachycondyla harpax
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
Since my last update, about 20 workers have enclosed, and the colony only has around 20 larvae left. I fed them some almonds and honey and they've been eating so much. Such a big appetite for such small ants.
I should've hibernated them by now, but they aren't showing any signs of slowing down. I've kept them at around 19 degrees (66.2 Fahrenheit) and they don't seem to mind.
These colonies don't last very long. They normally live in/near homes so temperatures stay consistent over winter. I'm assuming since they grow so fast, they reach colony maturity quite fast, and the queens die off soon after their nuptial flight. The queens in this species are extremely small and fragile. Luckily, since their so polygonus, I'll just add in more queens next year.
I should've hibernated them by now, but they aren't showing any signs of slowing down. I've kept them at around 19 degrees (66.2 Fahrenheit) and they don't seem to mind.
These colonies don't last very long. They normally live in/near homes so temperatures stay consistent over winter. I'm assuming since they grow so fast, they reach colony maturity quite fast, and the queens die off soon after their nuptial flight. The queens in this species are extremely small and fragile. Luckily, since their so polygonus, I'll just add in more queens next year.
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
there really cool. keep us updated during there time. also over hibernation better start thinking of moving them into a formacarium.
Queens only:
Myrmecia Pilosula (6 larvae, 1 pupae)
Early Stage Nests:
x1 Anonychromyrma (15-20 workers)
Myrmecia Pilosula (6 larvae, 1 pupae)
Early Stage Nests:
x1 Anonychromyrma (15-20 workers)
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- Posts: 76
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2017 11:04 am
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
Cool keep us posted
Keeper of
Camponotus
As Mike would say it's Ant Love Forever
Camponotus
As Mike would say it's Ant Love Forever
-
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2017 11:04 am
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
I think I may have a colony of this species not sure though
Keeper of
Camponotus
As Mike would say it's Ant Love Forever
Camponotus
As Mike would say it's Ant Love Forever
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
Umm My Workers All Died.The Queen Is Fine.Theres A Worker That Should Expose Tommorow.So..How Do I Get Them To Steal Brood?Also,Can I Use Brood From Solenopsis Invicta?
Keeping ants for 6 years now.
Current Species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus decipiens,Camponotus snellingi Solenopsis invicta,Nylanderia sp,Brachmyrmex patagonicus,Pheidole obscurothorax,Pheidole moerens,Pachycondyla harpax
Current Species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus, Camponotus decipiens,Camponotus snellingi Solenopsis invicta,Nylanderia sp,Brachmyrmex patagonicus,Pheidole obscurothorax,Pheidole moerens,Pachycondyla harpax
Re: Ant Journal | Solenopsis Molesta (Thief Ants)
maybe? just do some testing on different types of eggs and lave
Queens only:
Myrmecia Pilosula (6 larvae, 1 pupae)
Early Stage Nests:
x1 Anonychromyrma (15-20 workers)
Myrmecia Pilosula (6 larvae, 1 pupae)
Early Stage Nests:
x1 Anonychromyrma (15-20 workers)
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